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I am post op bypass 13 months ( surgery was 10/07/2020) ) and am I now drinking alcohol every night . I have gained back a few pounds Like 8 and am scared to death. I feel like I am heading back toward terrible habits and need to regain back control now. I am working with a Psychologist that's not very good for PTSD issues and major depressive disorder. I have got control of that but I have now a new problem= alcohol! A year ago, I would never think of drinking on a week night or much at all but now it's become my new addiction and it leads to me over eating and then the dreaded weight gain. I have now drank every night for the past two months and I can't seem too let it go. This had never been me before as my family is filled with alcoholics and I could never understand it and now I do? It kills pain and drowns out so much. It definitely affects me differently after surgery and takes very little to have any affect at all. I am drunk or affected at sip 3. It is such a great escapism and good lord with Covid and the way of the world all I want to do is escape in a legal way and alcohol is legal. I am on disability and have a lot of pain issues and the doctors and psych's try to say its a lot mental / PTSD/ Stress related but they haven't lived in my body. I have had over 15 surgeries and have had many scars and all kinds of mesh - They don't live this body and don't feel my pain. They tell me I need to learn to live with it. Well hell , I am doing the best I can and alcohol does a great job of dimming that. But I know I need to find a better answer and am looking to my community as I know I can't be alone in my pain or journey. My New Year's resolution is to get back to that person that doesn't drink in response to pain. That learns to deal with it. That get's her weight under control in the meantime. Sending out an SOS to my community and asking for good advice or just shared empathy to know I am not the only one and that we do not travel on this journey alone.

Hello everyone. Fellow sleever here. After years of yoyo dieting and disappointing weight gains I finally made the decision to look into a weight loss tool that works and after months of research, psych evaluations and nutritionist visits I was finally approved for the gastric sleeve. I am scheduled for surgery on the 30th of this month. I'm a little nervous and excited but extremely thankful I found this forum, your posts are very helpful.

Sherrijo: I really feel for you and pray that things at home will improve. How are you doing "bandwise" with this stress? Are you feeling okay? Is there any chance that your hubby would see a counselor with you? If so, I would highly recommend this. In the meantime, hang in there, try and do things for yourself that are special and pamper yourself if nobody else will pamper you. If money isn't an issue, go get a pedicure, manicure, hair done, make up, massage or something else that you enjoy!! You are worth it!! Well, I went to my "exercise class" today and even used some boxing gloves. I was so sweaty but it was fun (in a painful way...lol). I also did extensive abdominal exercise (crunches) and was so proud of myself. My "inner athlete" is coming out. I was an athlete in high school and ran 3-4 miles a day in college for exercise, but over the years with the weight gain and knee problems, haven't worked out as much. Did join Curves over a year ago and did that between surgeries, etc. But, what I'm doing now is fun and challenging. I had to drag myself there, though cuz I like to stay up too late!! Oh, I lost another 2 lbs. Hurrah!! And this weekend I will do my measurements because it's been around 12 weeks since my pre-op diet began. I'm celebrating. The fill is helping me stay satisfied between meals and I'm happy about that! Well, hope to hear from everyone. Some of you haven't posted in awhile. Where are you?? We miss you??

@ChooChi73 wow, tomorrow is your big day!! How do you feel? I am so tired of people telling me that I am not big enough to have WLS! How big do you have to be for people to be happy for you and the fact that you want to take preventative measures that will prevent further weight gain and assist me in finally being successful in getting this weight off? I am 38, 5 '3" and 246 lbs, I wear size 18/20 pants and 2xl tops. I think that is large enough, right? I am on the pre op diet right now and it is driving me crazy, like i am getting headaches from my sugar withdrawals. I am not hungry, but the headache just wont go away. How is everyone else doing? @onmica

Diovan HCT 320/25 mg It's bp and waterpill all in one It really does help with the bp and doesn't give me the cough or massively swelled ankles. None of the other bp meds I tried helped. I was still at stroke levels. I'm sure it's only a small part in the recent weight gain.

Holy freaking cow, I gained like 3 pounds in 2 days! Makes me so mad. Yes, I had WAAAAY too much junk yesterday. This is really not fair, I tell you. I haven't exercised in about 3 days because I've been too busy (no, really). Can't my body give me a freaking break? Well I guess this is the first rough spot I've hit, really, so I'll try not to obsess about it. I'm just stressed because I got a little unfill (to 1.6) for my conference in Florida because I was afraid I'd retain water. I just know this means more weight gain. I just REALLY wanted to lose like 30 more pounds before May 22 when I go on my cruise. Now I've got to lose like 33 more pounds and after this weekend probably like 35 more pounds. Okay, yesterday's meals: B: Carnation instant BF S: Like 2 sugar cookies L: Stuffed pepper w/ tomatoes S: Like 2 more sugar cookies D: South Beach frozen dinner because no one loves me :cry S: Like probably 3 more sugar cookies and a mint brownie!!!!!!! I just can't have this junk around me. I have NO self control. This is why I have to plan my meals. Not to mention it was yet another Valentine's day alone and I was emotionally eating. Actually, I was babysitting my brothers while my PARENTS went out for Valentine's day. I just absolutely hate that holiday. Okay, sorry to bitch and moan. Back on the bandwagon!

Way to go with moderate ketosis!! I am not doing ketone sicks yet, as I know I am not in ketosis yet. I had a much better day today. Not perfect, but I finally feel like I am getting my head back in this thing!! I am still up 5 pounds from what my ticker says, but I am a little encouraged tonight. You know this all started when I was sick and greatly increased my fluids. Well, I noticed tonight that I have pitting edema (swelling where when you push on your skin it leaves an indention) in my lower legs and ankles. So... my weight gain is most definately fluids. I am drinking lots of Water. Here my nursing diagnosis. I think when I had the virus I became a little dehydrated and then my body held on to fluids like crazy. Now that I am well I am expecting my body to figure it out anytime now and release the fluids that it has been holding on to. Sorry if that was too technical, but I am encouraged to think I have figured out what the deal it. (if I am even right??) Anyway, I am back in it!! You guys are the best. I agree with Mamato, it is sooo great to have a support system to go through this with!! YOU GUYS ROCK!!!

Hi everyone! I was banded on May 13, 2008. I had my first fill on June 23 and after the first week with the fill the scale stopped moving. I am due for my second one on Monday July 21. I also suffer from PCOS, I was diagnosed 17 years ago when I was 15, so I have all of the classic attributes from it! Diabetes, high blood pressure, irregular menstrual cycles, infertility, and weight gain. I have never tried a high protein, low carb diet aka Atkins plan, so I may need some advise from some experienced people! I plan on starting next week after I get my fill. My doctor has me do 2 days of clear liquids and then 2 days of full liquids/soft foods before advancing back to regular diet. After my last fill I attempted scrambled eggs and that did not set well with me at all, I took 2 bites and I was running to the bathroom, I have been scared to try them since. Can someone please explain how to calculate a net carb? Thanks in advance for all of your help!!!!!

A dog ear excision is a relatively small procedure that can be done in office with local anesthesia. Most plastic surgeons will remove this without charging the patient because it is really a "touch up" from the abdominoplasty. They may or may not submit it to insurance, but will likely not get any reimbursement from this "cosmetic" procedure. I do not think that weight gain contributed to this dog ear.

It's not from eating unless you are seriously not following the program. Most likely your weight gain is from swelling/fluids from the hospital.

Thanks Janet...I have those moments when I think my face really looks old. But then I have to remember my age. The fat filled out all the wrinkles and now I am deflated. I started my weight gain at the age of 38. Prior to that I was the weight I am now. Guess I couldn't expect to have have the same 38 yr old face reappear? Why not? Oh, why not? LOL I'm on my way out the door. Blocking out thinking of my 3 hour time in the dentists chair this morning. Just focusing on fun and relaxation at the resort I will be staying at the next couple of days. Looking forward to seeing some old friends. Just hope they look a hell of a lot older than me....I'm bad.

Just working towards page #1000 and watching Desparate Housewives. Arlene...pecan pie is my favorite also and think that it was the cause of at least 75#s of my weight gain. My grandmother was the best cook and baker. She baked every day. She was our neighbor and always had fresh baked good when the 8 of us kids came home from school. Glad your son liked the cake. Lori...glad things are resolve with DH. Janet....the work change next week sounds like a good plan. Less stress during a busy week.

I think you are right. I take FM medication and bp medication. The dr told me the bp med I am on causes weight gain. I have been counting my calories and protein, but I haven't been monitoring my carbs. I need to go back and stay under 50 carbs a day like my shake diet. I forgot that you eat a lot of calories to maintain. We all have different metabolisms. I will probably buy the Optifast products today to supplement my new food diet. I don't think I am ready for a totally food diet. Great, thanks for the carb reminder! Janet, thanks for the pep talk! Apples, you and the gang keep me in check . Thanks for letting me vent. Okay, I walked.......gotta go shower.....go to nutrition class.....weigh.....babysit. Will check in later! HUGS!

Arlene, glad you are feeling better..... You have too many down days, too.... Life should be easier at this age.... Julie, I am feeling so much better. Everyone in this part of Texas has the "crud". Our weather goes from 40 to 80 in a day. One thing that has helped my FM pain is the steroid shot I got in my "trigger thumb". My thumb is fine now and when the weather changes I haven't had pain. Of course, the down side is weight gain. I think I gain when I take Tylenol. UGH! Janet, I am taking my friend to get fillers in her face. I am going to get an estimate on my mug while I am there. Does it hurt? Do you bruise? My mother said she would give me the fillers for my 60th birthday. Of course, my jealous sister (16 months older) said she wants them for my birthday too. Whatever! As long as mama is paying. lol Eva, good going on the Protein shakes. I know about the stomach rumbles. Gas-x helps. Take it before you drink the shake. Cheri.....HUGS for you DD! Oh, Janet, I have been walking everyday. I will go back to the gym when my coughing stops.....almost there. Joyce, how are you feeling? Okay gang, I checked in today......let us know how you are doing.

Melissa....have you ever thought of having your DH pay for individual policies for himself and your DS and you going on your own with a policy subsidised by your state? I am not sure of the GA health ins laws, but in our state it is the most reasonable way to go when one family member is a high risk to ins companies. Might be worth checking out. Even with a high deductible, would be much less than paying out what you would with Cobra. Just a thought. If your DH and DS are healthy, they could choose a high deductible also and everybody would have a savings on premium. Do you have and ins agent that would go to bat for you? If not, find one that will take a look at your situation. I think of you often and the struggles you have been through the last few months. And, YES, you CAN get back to Onderland. Heck, I weighed 119-125 until I started on the weight gain wagon. Put your sights on a number you feel comfortable with and focus on that goal. We are here to help you along that path:tt1:

Tina - I don't mind saying. When I started this journey I was 283 the lowest I got was 211 so far. I started to get cocky and my head got in the way. I asked for another fill thinking that would prevent my bad choices (which it did not it only made me tighter and gave me more problems). I also was laid off of work twice within my LB journey and I am an emotional eater so I was eating foods I was not supposed to which as anyone knows makes you feel good for like a second and then you feel horrible. I also got acid reflux from eating too late and eating the wrong things and worst of all being too tight. I tried to deal with it on my own and with the help of my friends here but it got to the point I had to go back to the Dr (just a note my surgeon is an hour and half away and I pay $100 for each visit due to the fact my insurance did not pay for the LB I had too) When I finally saw the Dr he took about half of my saline out (due to he was afraid I might get a slip and he knew my stomach was irratated and swollen) which basically put me back to the begining with the band. Now I can pretty much eat anything including things I could not eat for along time because I was too tight like cold drinks, fruit and salads. So the weight gain is all my fault and not following my surgeons directions. So please follow your surgeons directions. I go back on 01/04/10 to see my Dr and get a fill I hope. I try to do this my self but there is no restriction I am in what they call banster hell. Like what Janet said she mentally could eat more but doesn't. What hurts the most right now is my hubby and son have notice the weight gain and it makes me feel so bad I say I want to get to onderland but my actions have not changed. I actually do take meds for anxiety which help but my head is stuck in a rut. I am trying to force my head to get back in the swing of things by changing my job to a more physical type job which my back is freaking out about. I could walk to work which is 3.2 miles driving distance but my hubby and son are afraid things might happen to me walking not sure why it is not in a bad area and there are sidewalks. Okay I am just gabbing away I hope this answers your questions. Tina you are right I will do this. I just have to get out of the hole I created for myself with all this sugar and carbs I have been eating. Also I have tried to give my problems over to GOD but I have problems letting go. My Best Friend is helping me with my journey towards giving things to GOD I am a work in progress with that.

ok, ok. It seems my attempt at humor regarding the "coach bag vs. barium swallow to check band" joke was lost in the translation! My apologies. I received SEVERAL concerned and 1 pissed off comment about it, so let me say something for the record. 1) I have had reflux off and on for 10+ years and been on PPIs (prilosec) for 10+ years. 2) Studies prior to banding, during surgery and after have shown no hiatal hernia. 3. Lap banders with a previous history of reflux (almost but not always, usually) have reflux after banding (worst if you are "tight" or "too tight" or even at "sweet spot") 4. I would never ever EVER sacrifice my health for a stupid purse! (yes, someone, who is a "watcher" of our post but has never posted, accused me of putting my health in jeopardy for the vanity of designer THINGS.) DEEP SIGH. We are taking ourselves wayyyyy too seriously guys. They said I need to be careful of what I posted b/c there are LB patients who will take my statement as truth and will jeopardize their health and ignore serious symptoms. That being said, let me clarify things a bit. Yes, 3 months ago after an un-needed fill (which many of you thought I didn't need), I quickly had to go get an unfill. Although I have "maintained" my weight for the last 6+ months, I have in no way, shape or form been very healthy about it. Although I lead an active lifestyle (keeping up with a 6 year old, swimming, shopping, living) I have not been doing much purposeful exercise. The result of which is- I stayed the same weight, but lost muscle and tone. I have actually gone down in "size" but have felt an increase in abdominal fat. Now- over the last 2-3 months have seen a 8-10 pound gain. (hovering around 225 today) Although this seems a small amount (in the grand scheme of things), I truly think it was enough to effect my band. Our stomachs can lose and gain weight too. We have fat around and on our stomachs. Weight gain alone can cause our bands to get tight. If you add peri menopausal Fluid fluctuations in the mix, it can cause havoc on our bands. I truly think that the need for 3 unfills is more to do with the lack of exercise and gaining of 10 lbs, than it has to do with something serious. Other than the occasional reflux which got worse the last couple days, i have had NO PBs, no vomiting, no pain, and no increased ability to eat food- nor the inability to eat food. I have had the same restriction more or less since reaching my sweet spot- after a cup of solid food I am full. Both nights that I had severe reflux I ate too close to bed AND I had dairy (frozen yogurt) after eating solids food for dinner. The dairy then sits on top of the food and loves to cause havoc on my esophagus once it relaxes when I fall asleep. Is this clear as mud now? I am going to go make a Protein shake and take a shower. I walked 3 miles for the second day in a row and my legs are hurting..LOL. I will cbl...peasout..Laura PS. I will write more to everyone later.

Charlene, when you eat real food don't just limit the quantity. Check the salt content. Your apparant weight gain could be from water retention. Also, if you're combining carbs with meat protein, you'll store the fat. If you don't have the carbs, the fat gets metabolized and used up. That's why its protein first then veggies and maybe a little fruit when you're in the weight loss phase. You even have to limit your whole grains because they still do break down into sugar, often have salt in them, and they're often combined with things that have fat, which you then store as well as the water. Thanks Cheri! I do think some of it is water retention due to carbs. I have always had a problem with water weight. Usually my weight goes down about 3lbs when the fall comes. Meanwhile, I will watch the carbs. Linda, yeah, I haven't made the chicken salad yet. It has grapes in it so I might just cut the light mayo amount in half. Grapes make it so moist.

Talked with my 7th grade girls group about the 10,10,10 principle, which is a way of helping you make decisions. We make decisions just about every moment and we need to ask ourselves what would the results be, good and bad, 10 minutes from now, 10 months from now, and 10 years from now. I thought about how that applied to food and how something that looks good right now and would satisfy our craving right now (or maybe not) ends up cumulatively as weight gain 10 months down the road which 10 years down the road puts us on the path of high blood pressure, high, cholesterol, high blood sugar, and prone to heart disease, strokes, Alzheimers, breast and colon cancer, Dr.s' bills, food bills, wardrobe bills, loss of income from not being able to work as well or at all, shame, etc.,etc., etc. Of course, for my kids, the consequences of bad decisions now, like just going outside and walking around at night in high risk neighborhoods, can be fatal. 10 minutes from now, 10 months from now, 10 years from now. Puts things in perspective.

Phyl, too bad you can't get an MRI......then you could get an epidural shot and hopefully relieve the pain before you leave. So glad your GS was not seriously injured. I bet he is really sore. Linda, sorry you are having Fibro issues. I am better today. I broke down and took Ibprophen last night.....really helped. I swear by the Savella I take for FM, but it is not for everyone. Lyrica causes weight gain. I won't go there......not for now. Judy, You go girl! I love the chocolate Optifast bars......creamy chicken soup too......not crazy about the shakes. Too sweet for me. Jessica, it is great you are re-connecting with your brother. Cheri.....the warm water therapy is awesome. I think I could hang in one all day. I did check into a therapy pool......very expensive. Julie.....Hang in There!!!!!!! Laura.....prayers for mom Janet......where are you? Apples......thinking of you!!! Lori......chicken thighs.......Yum.....my favorite part of the chicken! Okay, gang.......later!

Morning....fly by because I'm on my way to "the house". I finally got on the scale and don't like what I saw and knew it was happening. So that has ended and I'm back on the wagon. I have set a new goal for me, although it's baby steps, at least it's steps in the right direction. Although I've gained weight...10 lbs, this is a first for me. Usually my weight gains are all of what I've lost plus....you all know this cycle. This time it wasn't even 1/4 of what lost. This still isn't good, but I'm not going to beat myself up too bad, just get on Arlene's train and chug away at it. I haven't had to go up a size in my clothing yet. What I seem to be having trouble with is eating hot food. By the time I can get things chewed everything gets cold. In some ways that is good because then it's unappetizing, but I'm getting really tired of cold eggs. So the last couple of days (since I've been on the train) I've been adding Protein powder to my coffee and then about 10:30 or 11, I've poached an egg in V-8 (for some that may sound disgusting, but I love it). I've actually been able to eat the egg hot and then sip the V-8 warm. This seems to be helping me deal with the cold food issue. This could be because I've been so cold lately. I'm also doing more Soup, but that is also helping with the cold food issue. Last night I had shrimp with leeks and mushrooms. I made a one-pot dish and put the left over brown rice in it. It was very good, but because I really chew the shrimp slowly, I end up eating it cold. I threw out the rest of it. So this is my confession and it's probably the last you will hear about for a while. New year, new focus. Eva

This is a place that we can ALL post about our feelings, things that are bothering us, ppl that we just don't understand, etc. That's what is so nice about this thread that Janet started...our posts just don't have to be about food issues. We can vent. The more we stuff our feelings, the less free we are to deal with emotional eating, etc. So...vent, do whatever it takes. I am sure there are things that I gripe about and you guys are thinking "Why would she complain about that?". And, I know the lonely feeling that you have while your DH is gone and now you are also an empty nester again. I think the biggest reason for my weight gain was being lonesome. DH working 24/7, stuck out on this farm, not in the working world any longer. DH has done a wonderful job of now hiring a great percentage of the work done. He is seeing the light. He still works 12-13 hour days but he is finally now taking time to relax in the last 3 or so years. He made me a happy woman by seeing the light and dealing with his workaholism!:thumbup:

I have to take an anti-inflammatory every day. I take it with food or try to coat my stomach with something. Right now I'm tight from weight gain and am having some trouble taking it. I'm using an antacid when I take it to protect my stomach. When I'm not tight I have no trouble at all. More reason to take these lbs back off. I do supplement with Tylenol extra strength if I need more pain killer. I take half the anti-inflammatory I used to take. Need less with the weight loss. I have heard that Tumeric (spice) is a great natural anti-inflammatory but that doesn't mean it isn't hard on the stomach. Same with Fish Oil supplements. Those are known to contribute to reflux.

I've been making myself iced decaf coffee lattes with Splenda. I have a 20 oz container that I fill twice a day. I use a lot of 1% milk so that helps me get my milk as well as my 64 oz of Fluid a day. The milk provides constant Protein and a little fat and carbs and I think it keeps my blood sugar stable between meals. And it tastes good. The thing that made me want to totally stay away from pop is that the bubbles can stretch your new tiny tummy during the time when its still trying to stabilize and heal. I also don't want to get any more stuck gas in me than I already have. It can also cause reflux. You also lose some of your restriction if you stretch the tummy. Find a tasty substitute for the pop. Also for the ice cream if possible. I try not to keep it in the house, but my husband bought it for himself. He did, however, make me some ff sf choc. pudding to eat at night. The ice cream may be alright for you if you're sticking to the 1/4 to 1/2 cup guideline. Ice cream is one of my trigger foods so you'll have to judge whether it causes you to crave having more. I find that exploring and posting on this site is helping me. I was banded June 18th and I started a blog the week before to help me deal with all the other issues that go along with compulsive overeating. Its like journaling daily. On yesterday's blog I talked about eating disorders and their causes and my history of weight gain and dieting. If you'd like to view the blog you can do it at: IF YOUR STOMACH OFFENDS YOU, TIE IT OFF Dealing with the addiction in these ways has really helped me stay on top of my cravings. Don't beat yourself up. Guilting and shaming yourself will drive you right back into the food.

1day at a time, did you lose all the weight and put it back on? How do you think the weight gain happened? Im just wondering because it sounds like you had lost some weight and put it back on again. Im worried i will do that too I learn from others and srry if im being nosey...just trying to catch up on the situation behind some of your posts. And YES you WILL take control of your weight. And there is a really really good friend to have in these situations...well in any situations....God. Best friend i ever had